Ferdinand D. Bluford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dr. Ferdinand Douglass Bluford
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| 3rd President of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University | |
| In office 1922–1955 |
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| Preceded by | James B. Dudley |
| Succeeded by | Warmoth T. Gibbs |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 4, 1882 Capahosic, Virginia, US |
| Died | December 21, 1955 (aged 73) Greensboro, North Carolina, US |
| Spouse | Hazel K Diffay Bluford |
| Residences | The Oaks Greensboro, North Carolina |
| Alma mater | Virginia Union University Howard University |
| Profession | Educator |
Ferdinand Douglass Bluford (born August 4, 1882 – died December 21, 1955) was an important American educator. He served as the third president of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Dr. Bluford led the university for 30 years. This was the longest time anyone has served as president or chancellor there.
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Early Life and Education
Ferdinand D. Bluford was born on August 4, 1882. His hometown was Capahosic, Virginia. He finished elementary school in 1900. After that, he went to Wayland Academy for high school in Richmond, Virginia.
He later attended Virginia Union University for college. He was one of the top students in his class there. In 1908, he graduated from Virginia Union University. The next year, in 1909, he earned another degree. This was a Bachelor of Pedagogy from Howard University. Pedagogy is the study of how to teach.
A Career in Education
Before becoming a university president, Dr. Bluford taught at several colleges. He taught at the A&M College in Normal, Kentucky. He also taught at Kentucky State College. Another place he taught was the former Saint Paul Normal and Industrial School.
Dr. Bluford also worked at North Carolina A&T. For six years, he was an English professor. He also served as the dean and vice president.
Leading North Carolina A&T
In 1925, the previous president, Dr. James B. Dudley, passed away. Dr. Bluford was then made acting president. On June 13, 1925, the Board of Trustees chose him. They all agreed he should be the new president.
Under Dr. Bluford's leadership, North Carolina A&T grew a lot. In 1927, it was a "D" class college. But by 1932, it became an "A" class institution. This was a big improvement.
By 1955, the university campus had grown to 110 acres. The farmland connected to the school was 672 acres. The buildings on campus were worth $12 million.
New Programs and Schools
During Dr. Bluford's time as president, many new programs started. The Graduate School was created. New schools were also established. These included the Schools of Agriculture and Education. There were also new schools for General Studies, Engineering, and Nursing. A Technical Institute was also added.
Death and Lasting Impact
Dr. Bluford passed away on December 21, 1955. He was 73 years old. His body rested in the university's new library building. The next day, the Greensboro Daily News newspaper wrote about him. They highlighted his important contributions to A&T, Greensboro, and the country. Dr. Bluford is buried in Piedmont Memorial Park in Greensboro, North Carolina.
The university library is named after Dr. Bluford. The first library building was finished in 1955. It is now called the Edward B. Fort Interdisciplinary Research Center. A brand new library was built later. It was dedicated and named the Bluford Library on September 10, 1991.
